The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed all mobile operators to secure explicit, prior consent from subscribers before activating any Value Added Services (VAS), aiming to prevent unauthorized deductions from user accounts.
Under the new instructions, operators must send mandatory confirmation messages to users and maintain transparent billing practices. VAS, including third-party content, games, or premium services, cannot be activated without the subscriber’s approval.
Any activation without consent will be considered a violation of the Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations, 2009.
Operators are also required to submit compliance reports to demonstrate adherence to these directives. Consumers are advised to regularly review and manage their subscriptions through official operator apps or self-care channels to avoid unwanted charges.
Moreover, the PTA has issued the Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025, which provide further safeguards for users, including control over tariff changes by operators and protection from unauthorized deductions.
The move is part of the regulator’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and strengthen consumer protection in the telecom sector.
